Nagal Pulls Out of Davis Cup Tie Against Togo, Mukund to Lead Indian Squad

New Delhi : India will face Togo in the Davis Cup 2025 World Group I play-off without their top-ranked singles player, Sumit Nagal. The tie, scheduled for February 1-2 in New Delhi, sees Nagal, currently ranked world No. 98, opt out reportedly after failing to respond to a call for availability.

This is the third consecutive Davis Cup tie Nagal has missed, following his withdrawal from the 2024 World Group I tie against Sweden due to a back strain and the January-February playoff against Pakistan, citing concerns over Islamabad’s grass courts.

Adding to India’s challenges, top-ranked doubles player Yuki Bhambri (world No. 48) has also declared himself unavailable for the tie.

The Indian squad will now rely on Sasikumar Mukund (world No. 368), who returns to the team after his suspension was lifted. Mukund will lead the singles lineup, joined by Ramkumar Ramanathan (world No. 393) and Karan Singh (world No. 473).

In doubles, N Sriram Balaji (world No. 65) will pair with Rithvik Bollipalli, who makes his Davis Cup debut. Bollipalli, ranked world No. 72 in doubles, brings fresh energy to the team.

A training camp ahead of the tie will finalise the reserve players, with Aryan Shah, Manas Dhamne, Dakshineshwar Suresh, and Yuvan Nandal vying for spots.

India will hope to capitalize on their home advantage as they face Togo in a must-win tie to remain in the World Group I bracket.